Urederra, the water paradise in Navarra.

Urederra and the Urbasa-Andia Natural Park form an ecological binomial that is difficult to improve.

The waterfalls, the beech forests, the panoramic views and the turquoise water that we find around the source of the Urederra, delight our senses every time we go to this magical corner of Navarra. The route that accompanies the river Urederra during its beginning, runs along the banks of this emblematic and famous riverbed. A path, full of nooks and crannies where you can stop to enjoy the sound and beauty of the water.

Although the Urederra captures all the limelight, we must not forget the nooks and crannies of the Urbasa-Andia Natural Park, an area of great ecological value, from which we cannot say goodbye without first enjoying the panoramic views offered by the Balcón de Pilatos, in the Urbasa massif, over the Urederra.

Remember that in order to preserve and conserve the environment of the Urederra as well as possible, an access control has been implemented in the village of Baquedano. For this reason, it is mandatory to obtain an authorization before visiting. The authorization can be requested through the website of tourism of Navarra or in the reception area of Baquedano.

This enclave, declared a nature reserve in 1987, provides us with everything we need to spend a fantastic day in the middle of nature. A place that everyone should visit at least once in their life.

Pilatos Balcony: A 15-minute drive from Baquedano, in the heart of the Urbasa-Andia Natural Park, we find the Balcón de Pilatos viewpoint. A space that gives us an impressive panoramic view over the valley of Amescoas, a landscape to frame. Below our feet, at 300 meters, is the waterfall of the Source of the Urederra, the phenomenon that gives rise to the turquoise waters that we find along the course of the Urederra.

We recommend caution when walking along the cliff that forms the 900 meters of altitude that has the viewpoint, with special emphasis on snowy days or adverse weather. If you like birds, it is advisable to bring binoculars to contemplate the colony of Griffon Vultures that live in the Urbasa massif, some specimens that fly over the paths that border the cliffs around the source of the Urederra. The Balcón de Pilatos was used in the past as a crime scene during the Civil War, and several members of the Republican side were thrown into the void from this space.

Information: The Urederra River rises within the karstic massif of Urbasa, and is that, the waterfall that gives rise to the Source of the Urederra, is nothing more than the natural outflow of water found in the aquifer that we find inside this massif. The outlet of the aquifer, is located at an altitude of approximately 630 meters, in the upper part. The beauty of this place and the richness of its fauna and flora led to its designation as a Natural Reserve in 1987, a space that is also considered an important part of the Network of Protected Spaces of Navarre.

The route: Everything begins and ends in Baquedano, next to the reception area, in the parking lot. It is here, where we may be required the authorization that we have obtained previously. From the parking lot, we must head towards the upper part of the village of Baquedano, next to the fronton, when we have the opportunity to stroll through the streets to discover the old wooden and stone houses that form the streets of the town.

Once in the upper part of the municipality, a sign indicates the beginning of the route.We leave behind the urban core to enter the nature, we begin to descend. We follow the forest track that leads us to the bed of the river Urederra,

Once down, at the level of the riverbed, the sound of water accompanies us for the rest of the route. A sound that is accompanied by the lush forest of the Urederra, beech, oak, ash, elm and lime trees make an appearance.

As for the fauna, less visible but not nonexistent, we have the possibility of encountering some of the animals that inhabit this place, examples of them are the wild cat, badger, wild boar, vultures or hawks.

The route, settled until its final part on the left bank of the river, guides us through bridges, railings and wooden stairs to the waterfall that we find under the Mirador del Balcón de Pilatos, to the source of the Urederra, the jewel of the Natural Park of Urbasa-Andia.

Pay attention to all the little nooks and crannies of the trail. At several points along the route the railings disappear leaving way to the river bank, it is time to take the best snapshots. Remember that it is forbidden to swim.

In the last stage of the route, practically next to the vertical wall, we find the area with the greatest slope, an area that tends to flood in winter and where we find the largest number of waterfalls.

The light filtering through the leaves of the trees is reflected in the different pools that form along the riverbed, creating that turquoise blue color that characterizes this Navarrese river. Enjoy the festival of sounds and colors of the Urederra!

Hiking: This small route is too short for many mountaineers and nature lovers. At this point we recommend to continue exploring the rest of the trails scattered throughout Urbasa.

Where to eat: Although bothin Baquedano and in the surrounding villages there are numerous restaurants where to eat, on this occasion, we opted for a good hamaiketako based on local products. Perfect!

The turquoise color of the waters of the Urederra traps us in a dream that transports us to a magical place. And you? Do you know Urederra?